Former prime minister Tony Abbott has used a speech in London to call on European leaders to close their borders to asylum seekers or risk imperilling their nations.

Abbott used the occasion to promote the Coalition’s hardline asylum seeker policies as a solution to Europe’s migrant crisis, which has seen hundreds of thousands of people, mainly from the Middle East, cross into the continent.

The former PM urged regional leaders to act by “turning around boats and denying entry at the border for people with no right to come” :: Read the full article »»»»

A turnaround in policy position isn’t a huge surprise straight after an election, it sought of goes with the the furniture. Except in this case, apparently, both sides of Australian politics were in FULL agreement prior to the last election?

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has denied that 10 weeks into governing, he’s breaking a pre-election promise – to match Labor’s school funding model – saying that his government would “do a little bit better.”

However, promises to one side, Australia’s new Government has just announced it will scrap the previous – Labor – governments plan for school funding reform, and will instead renegotiate individual agreements with all states and territories within the next 12 months.

Education Minister Christopher Pyne says Labor’s arrangements will stay in place for the coming year and will then be overhauled :: Read the full article »»»»

Australia’s Federal Government has very quietly backflipped it’s position on the construction of Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Acting on instruction from Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Australian government officials at the United Nations have withdrawn their nations support for an order that would have seen a halt to the expansion of any Israeli settlements in all of the occupied territories.

Under the previous – Labor Government – Australia condemned the settlements, but since the Coalition won office Australia has abstained from United Nations votes on the issue, returning Australia to the Howard-era policy of not supporting votes critical of Israel settlements. The current tight-lipped approach to implementation has seen NO information released on the governments change in Middle East policy.

In a statement released today, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the policy shift, saying it reflects the Government’s concern that Middle East resolutions should be balanced. The statement says the Government considers each resolution on a case-by-case basis and will not support those which are one-sided or pre-judge the outcome of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian territories.

However, diplomats warn the fragile relationship is on rocky ground after Australia signalled it would abstain from voting at the United Nations on motions that condemn the expansion of Israeli settlements :: Read the full article »»»»

Julian Assange says he intends to run for a Senate seat in the next election, with plans for an Australian WikiLeaks party “significantly advanced”. The Australian has been holed up in Ecuador’s London embassy since June in a bid to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning over sexual assault allegations.

Mr Assange is concerned that if he goes to Sweden, authorities will allow him to be extradited to the United States to be questioned over WikiLeaks’ release of thousands of US diplomatic cables.

Mr Assange has told Fairfax Media he intends to push ahead with previously-announced plans to run for the Australian Senate. He said he had not yet registered to vote, but told Fairfax he believes he will be able to register in either New South Wales or Victoria as an overseas voter.

Mr Assange said a “strategic decision” would determine which state he would run to represent. He also said “a number of very worthy people admired by the Australian public” have expressed interest in standing for a yet-to-be registered Australian WikiLeaks party :: Read the full article »»»»

That most despicable right-wing ranter, radio broadcaster and pseudo intellectual Alan Jones – not the wonderfilled sculptor – has done a Romney on himself. Last weekend the Sydney shockjock was guest speaker at an event for the Sydney University Liberal Club – SULC – where he firmly planted his foot in his mouth.

Known for his far right views, misogynistic statements, megalomaniacal cravings and hubristic rantings, Mr Jones managed to slip-in the ultimate in-bad-taste, bagging the recently deceased father of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. During the speech Mr Jones said that the PMs father died of shame!?

Unfortunately for Mr Jones, the Daily Telegraph had a journo in the room while his speech besmirched the Australian Prime Minister. Jonathan Marshall has so far posted an article, a SULC Tweet and a recording, on what will surely be egg on opposition leader Tony Abbott’s face. According to the Daily Telegraph Mr Jones “…told a group of 100 Young Liberals that John Gillard’s death was the fault of his proud child“

UPDATE! 1 + 5 + 8 October 2012:Mr Jones has apologised to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard for his woeful comments, he managed to do so without using the word SORRY! Woolworths Staffer Quits Over Jones’ Rant :: Read the full article »»»»